Updates STS-135 Updates

The Space Shuttle is really a huge ship for 4 astronauts. Plenty of room, which is actually a luxury in space :lol:

I guess they will really enjoy that flight ! ;)
 
they're lining up an will start the docking withing an hour :thumbup: - so cool!
 
Yeah, this is the perfect timing (at least for Europe). Launch Friday evening, docking Sunday afternoon :cool:

Switching NASA TV on :P
 
they're half-way through the RPM now... and what a sight that is :)
 
Contact & capture confirmed ! :thumbup:
 
CAPTURE! docking confirmed! :10sign:

:ninja:'ed again! man, you're fast :lol:
 
The hatch is open

---------- Post added at 11:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:57 AM ----------

The crew of Atlantis is boarding the ISS
 
The SSRMS is moving in to grapple the Shuttle's OBSS. After that it will hand it over to Atlantis' arm.

---------- Post added at 07:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 07:54 PM ----------

SSRMS is in pre-grapple position.
 
And now being rotated into position.

---------- Post added at 08:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:33 PM ----------

OBSS in place, SRMS is go for grappling.

---------- Post added at 08:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:37 PM ----------

SRMS has grappled the OBSS.

---------- Post added at 08:48 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:41 PM ----------

SSRMS has released the OBSS, hand-off is completed.

---------- Post added at 09:04 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:48 PM ----------

The SSRMS shortly before grappling the OBSS.

11tqsua.jpg
 
I'm not 100% sure, but from what I know and heard, the OBSS's cameras will be used to monitor the MPLM's installation tomorrow. So, the SSRMS went in to grapple it, 'cause the Shuttle's Arm couldn't reach it.
 
The OBSS needs to be moved out of the way, for the MPLM to lifted out of the bay. The RMS can't reach it because the PMA2 is in the way, therefore the SSRMS grab s it and hands it off to the RMS for safe keeping, while the SSRMS unberths the MPLM.
 
Raffaello is berthed to the ISS. The crew is one hour ahead of schedule. The hatches will be opened later today.

The reusable hauler of supplies for the International Space Station was successfully hoisted from shuttle Atlantis' payload bay and connected to the outpost today.

Known by its nickname Raffaello, or more formally as the Multi-Purpose Logistics Module, this cylindrical structure is packed with 9,403 pounds of cargo, including spare parts, science gear and 2,677 pounds food to stock the station's shelves.

"We're taking a year's worth of food," says mission specialist Sandy Magnus. "We're taking about 2,000 pounds of science equipment, we're taking hygiene items, we're taking clothing, we're taking thousands of pounds of spare parts for the different systems, life support system, the electrical system, the computer system and so forth. These are the big things that we're taking because we're trying to supply the station for a whole year, and that hedges our bets against when the commercial follow-on cargo contracts will be available up and running."

Once the space shuttles are retired after this final mission, NASA will rely upon the commercial firms SpaceX and Orbital Sciences to fly resupply missions with the new capsules and rockets being developed. Russian, European and Japanese unmanned cargo vehicles will continue flying to the station as well.

After Raffaello is emptied, about 5,660 pounds of no-longer-needed materials and items looking for a ride back to Earth will be stowed into the module before it is detached and returned to the shuttle payload bay next week.

Raffaello.png




---Added later---
GPC3 is up and running again
 
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